12/09/09 09-131

MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICE PRESS RELEASE

In an effort to protect the community we serve, the San Francisco Police Department has identified a recent trend of electronic devices robberies on Muni.

Passengers using iPhones and laptop computers on Muni vehicles are being targeted. Also being targeted are people using these devices while waiting for Muni vehicles at Muni coach stops, bus shelters, and light rail vehicle platforms.

Passengers are reminded to be aware of their surroundings while traveling on Muni. Suspects prey on victims using these devices knowing they are distracted while texting or listening to music on PDAs, using laptops, and talking on cellular phones. Passengers should be careful to limit the use of these devices and always be aware of other passengers on the vehicle.

If a passenger notices anything suspicious, the person should call the Muni complaint line,

923-6164. For emergencies or for crimes in progress, call 9-1-1 (553-8090 for cellular phones), and for non-emergencies, 553-0123.

Additional personal safety tips are available from San Francisco Safety Awareness for Everyone (SAFE), 553-1984, or www.sfsafe.org.